Self compassion has been a theme in 2025

If I had to pick a theme from the coaching conversations I’ve had with clients over the past year, it would be self-compassion. 

It might be something you are thinking about as you reflect on your year, and set intentions for next year. 

As one client said to me this year: “People say to me ‘look after yourself’ and ‘be kind to yourself’… but what do they really mean, anyway?”  

Good question! It wasn’t hard to make a list of activities… and yet, that wasn’t making the difference. Sound familiar? 

Beyond a to-do list

So, we explored:

• how to feel more ok with making time for herself
• how she could give herself permission to be kind to herself
• what she needed to put in place to keep her commitment to herself. 

What are your reflections in response to these prompts?

Going a bit deeper, we also explored her inner critic, and how that dominating figure was getting in the way of her being kind to herself. 

What does your inner critic say to you? What would you like to say in response?

A great resource to start with

Kirsten Neff is my favourite source of inspiration on self-compassion. This is a great place to start if you want to learn more Exploring the Meaning of Self-Compassion and Its Importance  

“Instead of mercilessly judging and criticizing yourself for various inadequacies or shortcomings, self-compassion means you are kind and understanding when confronted with your failings – after all, who ever said you were supposed to be perfect?”

Image credit: Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash